July 21, 2022
FAIRPORT, NY – GOP Congressman Lee Zeldin, the Republican candidate for governor, was attacked tonight at an American Legion in Fairport. According to Assemblywoman Majorie Byrnes, a white male with brass knuckles and razor blades coming out of the brass knuckles, rushed the stage, attacking Zeldin from behind. Byrnes tells Wlea News that Zeldin wrestled with the suspect, that numerous people piled on the suspect, and that a woman was seen afterwards with blood on her hands. According to Byrnes, she was told that the blood was possibly from Zeldin’s running mate, Alison Espisito, a former NYPD office. Byrnes also stated that Espisito was reportedly not badly injured. That part of the story (about Alison Espisito) is not confirmed as of this posting, at 10:04pm.
From Congressman Lee Zeldin:
“Thank you to everyone who reached out following tonight’s attack in Fairport. Someone tried to stab me on stage during this evening’s rally, but fortunately, I was able to grab his wrist and stop him for a few moments until others tackled him. I’m ok, and Alison Esposito, and all other attendees are safe. The attacker is in custody. Grateful for the attendees who stepped up quickly to assist and the law enforcement officers who quickly responded. I’m as resolute as ever to do my part to make New York safe again. This suspect will likely be right back out on the street immediately.”
From The Zeldin Campaign:
On Thursday, July 21, 2022, in Fairport, New York, a man climbed on stage and attempted to stab Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1), the Republican Party and Conservative Party nominee for Governor, during a rally speech in front of campaign supporters. Congressman Zeldin grabbed the attacker’s wrist to stop him until several others assisted in taking the attacker down to the ground. Law enforcement then took the attacker into custody and Congressman Zeldin went back on stage to finish his remarks and thank the law enforcement officers who responded to the scene.
The following statement was issued by Katie Vincentz, spokesperson for Zeldin for New York:
“Congressman Zeldin, Alison Esposito and all members of Team Zeldin are safe following tonight’s attack. Far more must be done to make New York safe again. This is very much getting out of hand in this state. Unfortunately, Congressman Zeldin is just the latest New Yorker whose life has been affected by the out of control crime and violence in New York. This needs to stop! Thankfully, we still have exceptional men and women in law enforcement answering the call to protect our streets.”
Statement From Governor Kathy Hochul:
My team has informed me about the incident at Lee Zeldin’s campaign event tonight. Relieved to hear that Congressman Zeldin was not injured and that the suspect is in custody. I condemn this violent behavior in the strongest terms possible — it has no place in New York.
From Mayor John Buckley:
Yesterday’s attack on Congressman and Gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin must be condemned in the strongest terms. Predictably and right on cue, the attacker was quickly released on his own recognizance. This is another example of the destructive impact Bail Reform is having all across New York State. Bail Reform puts dangerous criminals back on the streets and makes citizens less safe. It’s that simple.
